Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $228,834 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Pawtucket, RI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $228,834/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Pawtucket's price premium (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $227,696 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned professionals in the air traffic control field in Pawtucket, the earning potential is quite significant. In 2026, the projection shows that the median annual salary stands at $152,479, but the top earners can make as much as $228,834. This top-tier compensation represents a notable advantage over the national average for senior air traffic controllers, which sits at $151,886. The gap between the median and the highest earners reflects the experience premium that experienced controllers enjoy, and those who want to climb to the top of the pay scale typically need a combination of extensive experience, specialization, and a sustained commitment to ongoing professional development within the FAA structure.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Pawtucket earn between $195,172 and $228,834 per year (2026 est.). This $140,396 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pawtucket median of $152,479 sits 0.39% above the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Pawtucket | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $152,479 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $195,172 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $228,834 | $221,151 |
In Pawtucket, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 50.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Pawtucket
Advanced Certifications in Rhode Island
RI air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $152,479 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pawtucket employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Pawtucket command premium compensation, often reaching the $195,172–$228,834 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pawtucket metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Pawtucket with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Rhode Island who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Pawtucket
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPawtucket ranks #1 of 17 Rhode Island cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $228,834).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Pawtucket ($228,834) is 18.01% above the Rhode Island average P90 ($193,908).
2019 BLS Actual
$182,445
2025 BLS Actual
$223,100
2026 Current Est.
$228,834
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $182,445 | Actual |
| 2020 | $191,199 | Actual |
| 2021 | $192,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $196,393 | Actual |
| 2023 | $207,972 | Actual |
| 2024 | $203,296 | Actual |
| 2025 | $223,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,834 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $234,715 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Pawtucket saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $182,445 in 2019 to $223,100 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $234,715 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Pawtucket
Several critical factors influence compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Pawtucket. Specializations such as en route/radar can command some of the highest salaries, especially when compared to other areas like terminal radar (TRACON) and tower operations. Employment type also affects pay rates—controllers working in FAA en route centers generally earn more than those at smaller airports or contract towers. Advancement within the field often follows a structured pathway, from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC) and potentially to roles like traffic management coordinator or facility manager. Credentialing is vital, requiring U.S. citizenship, education or relevant experience, and the successful completion of FAA qualifications. Non-salary benefits also play an important role at this level, with additional incentives based on shift differentials, overtime, and locality pay. In a constantly evolving environment, the demand for skilled controllers continues to rise, presenting opportunities for both growth and financial stability.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Pawtucket in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Pawtucket?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Pawtucket?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Pawtucket?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Pawtucket?
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $223,100 for air traffic controllers in the Pawtucket metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pawtucket is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov